It's All About the Neighborhood at Off the Grid

Isolated from most of Harrison's other food and drink destinations, one would think Crotona Avenue would be a difficult place to open a new local hotspot.

But that has been far from the case at , where co-owners Brian Keating and Louis Spizzirro say they have found the perfect location for the neighborhood destination they envisioned when opening their doors at 73 Crotona Avenue last spring.

"It's actually a great location," said Keating, who lives in White Plains. "I think it's a great space."

The two chose the area because they wanted to create a local hangout that is fun and welcoming for everyone in the neighborhood. The building had been empty for a while, and Spizzirro said he saw the opening as a chance to fill a need for the neighborhood.

"We are trying to bring it back to a true neighborhood bar where people congregate," said Spizzirro, who grew up in Harrison. "We love the area and I think the area loves us."

Off the Grid offers a large bar area near the front entrance, an even bigger dining area in the rear of the building and a large patio for outdoor summer events. Both the bar and dining area feature brand new appliances, giving the place a comfortable environment for both family meals and a night out.

The menu at Off the Grid offers a variety of pub foods that include traditional burgers and sandwiches along with a list of specialty entrees like Chicken Scarpariello and Chicken Marsala.

But it's the friendly atmosphere that has drawn people from throughout the region to Off the Grid. Keating said the bar and grill is the type of place that will make meals specifically for regular customers—and remember how they like it the next time they come back.

"It's like Cheers," he joked, referring to the popular '80s sitcom. "Except we have good food."

As business has grown over the last 10 months, Spizzirro and Keating said they have drawn a variety of people to Off the Grid. They host regular events including DJ nights, karaoke nights and others. There are several big screen TVs for sporting events.

As a whole, they say there is something for everyone at Off the Grid.

"It's clean, it's new, it's safe, the food is excellent and it's reasonably priced," said Keating. "It's got basically everything you would ever want."

Off the Grid Bar and Grill is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.